An introduction to the volume, and definition and use of the term ‘tectono-sedimentary element’
Sergey S. Drachev, Harald Brekke, E. Henriksen, Thomas E. Moore
Abstract
This volume, Sedimentary Successions of the Arctic Region and their Hydrocarbon Prospectivity , developed around maps of the sedimentary successions of the Arctic Region, and contains a brief, but comprehensive compilation of geological and geophysical data characterizing all significant sedimentary successions in the Arctic, which cover 57% of the polar area north of 64° N. Its two main goals are to provide, based on present-day knowledge and data, a characterization of all Arctic sedimentary successions (or sedimentary accumulations) and to supply a snapshot of hydrocarbon-related exploration in the Arctic at the end of the first quarter of this century. To achieve these goals, we represent sedimentary successions as consisting of one or several ‘tectono-sedimentary elements’ (TSEs) based on the main tectonic regimes that formed accommodation space for accumulation of sediments. A TSE characterization template has been developed as an efficient method of organizing and presenting the most important information about the stratigraphy, structure and petroleum geology of a TSE, including the most significant exploration facts. This organizational architecture is the backbone of the volume and is a key feature that distinguishes it from other studies of Arctic sedimentary basins. The online volume includes six large-size foldout maps portraying the mapped TSEs in the Circum-Arctic context, including tectonic grain of the consolidated basement, anomalous gravity and magnetic fields, location of the Arctic sampling sites and seismic profiles.